June 4, 2010

TOPPENISH, WA. –The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, has awarded a $413,636 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Allen-Bradbury Construction, a general contracting company based in Algona, Washington. The project is expected to employ approximately 50 workers over four months.

The company will demolish the unsafe, unused Quarters 5 building on the Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge and replace it with a 1,530-square foot building for use as housing for refuge staff. The current building has been too unsafe to use for more than a decade, and the derelict structure poses significant challenges associated with lead paint, asbestos insulation, and transient birds and rodents.

“The new facility will provide some much needed on-site housing opportunities for staff, and that helps us reach our goals as a refuge as well as further the mission of the refuge system,” Toppenish NWR Manager Shannon Ludwig said. “We receive significant use from both the local community and folks outside the area, and we provide those citizens with ample hunting, education and other services here in the Yakima Valley.”

The Recovery Act gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $280 million in funding goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nationally.

“A lot of the people in this business are out of work, including many of my friends,” said Rich Moore, Allen-Bradbury Construction Director of Operations. “Projects like the one at Toppenish are keeping us as a company alive.”

The stimulus funds represent an important component of the Presidents plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the act, Interior is making an investment in conserving Americas timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery web site which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov.

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.